My Commute

Guest

Hi everyone, just thought I would start this thread.
I have been commuting to the same place of work for 12years now, on a  regular basis. It is 25km from home to work, so 50km each day.
In the morning I have a choice of routes to take, I usually ride one route in Summer and the other when it is darker of a morning, because of street lamps. Both routes take me around a lake, on one side there is the sea- with its lovely sunrises, the other way is closer to the mountains, which has its own beauty.
I leave home at 5.30am so the traffic is fairly light either way, but coming home is the opposite. Medium to heavy traffic, but I love 'traffic jammin' ie trying to keep up with the cars between lights or just holding my position on the road. Afternoon rides mean speed- which I love! ;D
In the mornings most drivers come to recognise me and give me plenty of room, so riding at a regular time pays off.
I also have come to realise that by doing the right thing- hand signals, making eye contact, pointing my direction on roundabouts and riding in a straight line earn me respect on the road.
Well thats all for now, I could add heaps more but,thats for another day. So if you are thinking about commuting - well give it a go. Anything I can help you with just ask.
Regards, sillystorm.  

Guest

I would have to agree with every point you have made, you get back what you give in life.  8)
It really shits me when I see some cyclist run a red light, or ride like a complete psychotic fool in trafic. I'm sure it also annoys drivers and doesnt do much good for cyclists in general.

Now back to My Commute  

I don't have one I only live 4 km from work, i've found it eaiser to train before work.

cheers!

Guest

Hi there.
This is my first post in this BB.

I thought this was a good enough place to start since I commute (30kms one way) almost every day into the centre of Jo'burg which is apparently the most dangerous city in the world.  :

I agree with everything you said sillystorm. I try to ride in easy so not to get too sweaty but then have a good speed workout or interval session on the way home. Slipstreaming and dodging cars stuck in traffic jams is great fun and I'm so glad I'm not sitting in them. Unfortunately we've had quite a bit of rain in the last 2 weeks so training has been mostly indoors and I have been sitting in traffic.

Guest

I would actually love to commute by bike to work and back. the problem I have is that

• a) By highway the distance is 35km one way (this means back roads would be considerably longer)
• b) I dont actually know any back roads
• c) Time and weather are huge factors
• d) I sweat easily and alot. No showers at work will cause a rather unpleasent smell all day.  :'(

I've taken to riding before and after work instead.

Guest

ouzo, I have(had) the same thoughts about riding to work because I'm faced with the same problems. Let me address them:
a) I also thought the backroads would be much longer but I found a route that's more than 2kms shorter than the highway.
b) I didn't know any back roads either but a bit or research in a map book, an investigative weekend cycle solved that. Where do you live/work?
c) Weather is a real bummer but we can't do much about it. I've been caught a few times and once or twice called a friend to fetch me and my bike from work when it was really bad.
Time isn't too much of a problem. 35kms should only take 1:15 - 1:20 at any easy-ish pace.
d) I sweat enough to dissuade me from attending any spinning classes because without a direct fan on me all the time I overheat and cause a puddle that spreads around more than just my bike.
To overcome this problem I ride in at 05h30 which means that I get to work at about 06h35 before it's warm. Besides being cooler, the traffic is just about non-existant and taking it really easy makes for minimum sweat. I haven't got any showers at work either so I leave a bag of toiletries in my office (plus work clothes) including a towel, deo, soap and facecloth. Nobody is around at that time of the morning so I can have a bit of a wash using the basin without being disturbed.

And because you're in early you also get to post undisturbed at your favourite cycling BB.  ;D

Vo2

hehe...I like this post. Sean, you sound just like me!

__________________
Pain is inevitable...suffering is optional

Guest

I'm new on this site, must admit one of the better sports chat sites. I also travel to work and back on my bicycle. What I find is that the motorist getting used to cyclists if the cyclist respect the rules of the road. Don't jump a red robot, don't try and ride in the middle of the road to force the motorist to wait and idle along. If all cyclists behave and respect the rules of the road, the motorist will learn what to expect and how to handle the situation. Last but not least = Use hand signals to inform motorist of whats going to happened and be decisive in your signals

Guest

I agree 100%, most people are no good at reading minds  

Anyway welcome to the forum, I hope you enjoy your stay.

cheers!

Guest

Dular, our hon, transport minister in SA is introducing bicycles as ameans of transport. Greaaaaaaat!!!!!  Now a lot of training has to begiven to the motorists and hopefully at the end we are going to look slim and fit another thing is we are going to need cycle tract along our roads but the main problem is most us are 40 to 75 km away from work ??? a sugestion would be to have people work in the city they live in. If you are familiar with the situation here

Vo2

Hmmm, do you really think it's going to take off?

__________________
Pain is inevitable...suffering is optional

Guest

I think it will with time. Look at cycling, sure its becoming popular especially that it used to be for particular race group. Like I said motorist have to understand that the road is not meant only for them. If the promotion is given achance then it will. Already ther are a few guys that I have seen using bikes. I would as well the only problem is I am travelling 90k's a day to and fro.

Guest

IMO - bikes will never replace cars, in theory both should be able to use the roads without any problems.

One is simply not better than the other, ever tired doing the shopping on your bike or towing a horse float with your bike?? hrmmm maybe my new fitness lane should include some serious miles in the car hehe

Education for both sides is the key!

Guest

Well folks, my commute is 24km one way, mostly next to the ocean and almost entirely on back streets.  The only problem I have is the lack of hills.  I can get a couple in with some well-chosen detours that don't take long, but I want more.  Roll on Sunday I say.

Guest

Hello all. I'm from Toronto and my commute ia a measley(compared to ones I see here  ) 17 km each way, from Forest Hill to Etobicoke. I leave at 6:10 am and beat traffic, and love it!  ;D I'm lucky that my health club is in my office building so bathing is easy.

ANy ways, greetins! 8)